With magnificent ocean views that belong to everyone, delight in the sight of sprouting whales and frolicking dolphins in the breathtaking splendor of California’s Dana Point.
Beautiful Dana Point was named after the 19th century seafaring author Richard Henry Dana, Jr., who related his adventures with incredible descriptions of the Headlands in the classic sea journal “Two Years Before the Mast,” which is still widely read in classrooms around the country.
Where to Stay
Everyone will love the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa perched atop a stunning coastal bluff overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Fronted by a 42 acre park, the recently renovated red-roofed Victorian style resort appeals to every age. Featured are 377 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 15 deluxe suites blending a family-friendly contemporary beach house décor. Thoughtful amenities to pamper you include feather top beds, high speed internet access, premium channel television, and a compact disc player with alarm clock. Cribs and rollaways are also available. The resort’s vintage 1940 Ford “Woodie” is the iconic symbol of the local beach culture, and sets the perfect tone for your relaxing stay.
Onsite Dining
OverVue Lounge, the new indoor-outdoor scene-by-the sea along with light bites and delicious Tapas, is a great place to take in dramatic views of the ocean and Dana Point Harbor. For the adults that are early risers, Starbucks coffee along with a variety of pastries are available here to wake you up in style, You may never want to leave. California coastal cuisine is presented at the re-designed award winning all day Vue Restaurant with indoor or outdoor seating. Executive Chef Erasmo Rodriguez and Chef de Cuisine Anton Cossi have created a diverse menu giving a local flair to a number of the traditional favorites. Kids’ portions and menus are yours for the asking.
Fun at the Resort
Choose one or both of the resort’s two outdoor heated pools and whirlpools. The Del Mar pool is an unforgettable experience with its spectacular ocean views and contemporary lounge furniture. For the “kid” in all of us, make sure to stop by the cool splash zone. For a more relaxing and serene environment the Laguna Pool is the perfect spot to relax with a good book or tropical beverage. For the tennis buffs there’s a championship tennis court, and for other sport lovers there’s basketball, ping pong, bocce or volley ball. Bicycle rentals are available for your enjoyment and maps of great cycling routes for self guided tours are yours at the concierge desk
The adults will love the state-of-the-art Fitness Center, and then heading out to The Spa at Laguna Cliffs, a soothing, serene oasis with facilities for treatments and relaxation that include a whirlpool, wet steam and dry sauna rooms and Swiss showers with 15 shower heads.
For the young ones there’s the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club, a private supervised area devoted to keeping the kids happy and safe. Kids ages 5-12 are able to participate in games, art & crafts, outdoor activities and the splash zone. Their excitement begins with their Kahuna Laguna Passport, where they get to learn how the hotel operates. A sticker is given when they visit each department, and a completed passport returned to the front desk gets them a special prize. There are full day, morning half -days and afternoon half -day’s, available for a fee.
The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is conveniently situated between Los Angeles and San Diego – one hour from both – at 25135 Park Lantern in Dana Point. Phone 949/661-5000 or visit www.lagunacliffs.com.
Dana Point Harbor
The crown jewel of the West Coast Riviera, Dana Point is ideal for adventure. Dana Point Harbor has over 30 retail shops and restaurants. fishing (the hotel’s culinary team will happily prepare your daily catch), walking paths and tidepools, Here’s the place for Jet ski rentals, kayak rentals, fishing charters, harbor and coastal cruises, dolphins and whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and more. The Ocean Institute right next door has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history program. Open on weekends, everyone gets to participate in family-friendly lab activities, observe sea creatures or venture out to sea on the Spirit of Dana Point a 118-foot topsail schooner. Also on view here is the Pilgrim, the 130-ft. historic tallship made famous by R.H. Dana.
For information on Dana Point Harbor visit www.danapointharbor.com
For additional information on the City of Dana Point visit www.danapoint.org
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